46 disqualified from Food Stamps, temporary assistance programs

Although many welfare recipients follow rules, hundreds each year are disqualified for selling food stamps for cash, failing to report changes in household in a timely manner and other violations, according to Guam's public health agency.
Masako Watanabe/PDN

A Guam Quest card at the New Asan Beach Market on Jan. 5, 2018.(Photo: Frank San Nicolas/PDN)

There were 46 people disqualified from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Family Program in the first two quarters of fiscal 2018, according to a notice from the Department of Pubic Health and Social Services.

From October through December 2017, 16 people were disqualified from the former Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which used to be known as the Food Stamp program, and three were disqualified from the temporary assistance program.

Of those 19 people, 14 failed to disclose that members had moved in or out, and five were disqualified for crediting food or nonfood items or exchanging cash with their card, which is considered trafficking.

As first-time offenders, the 19 were disqualified for a 12-month period. Total restitution was $60,692.20.

In addition, 46 people were disqualified from the temporary assistance program because they failed to meet the work program requirement. Of those, eight failed to appear for scheduled appointments, and 32 didn't submit proper documents.

Disqualified for not submitting documents

In the second quarter, 26 people were disqualified under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and one was disqualified under the temporary assistance program. There were 15 who failed to disclose that members had moved, and 12 credited food/nonfood items or exchanged cash with their card.

There were 23 first-time violators, three repeat violators suspended for 24 months and one permanently disqualified for trafficking over $500. Total restitution was $44,582.50.

There also were 37 people disqualified under the work programs section in the second quarter, including nine who failed to appear for appointments, 19 who didn't submit required documents, one failed to meet work requirements and eight failed to appear to work.